Independent Study affords students the opportunity to pursue special interests or research not treated in regularly scheduled courses. A faculty member, who becomes the student's instructor for the independent course, must approve the proposed study and agree to provide continuing supervision of the work.

To apply, students must—in agreement with their independent study faculty supervisor—complete the A&S Independent Study Form and submit it before the add deadline.

All undergraduates, regardless of college, should use this form to enroll in independent study courses offered by the College of Arts and Sciences during the first five weeks of the fall and spring semesters.

Important Information

• Submit only one application per independent study experience. Do not start a new application for the same experience.
• No more than three credits for each independent study are recommended due to the 9-11 hours of work needed each week to complete the entire course (minimum 120 hours of effort per term). For specific guidelines on assigning credit for independent study, please see the catalog.
• If you are enrolling in BIOG 2990 or BIOG 4990, please use the Independent Research in Biological Sciences form.
• If you are enrolling in CS 4999, EAS 4910, EAS 4920, INFO 4900, or STSCI 4900, the form is not required.
• Students who are being paid for assisting faculty in research cannot earn course credit for that work.
• Students cannot use independent study courses to earn credit for any undergraduate Course Assistant (CA) activities in support of regular courses.
• Independent study classes are expected to be carried out on the Ithaca campus and students are required to attest to their on-campus status. Cornell Abroad students are not allowed to concurrently enroll in an Ithaca campus independent study class. Specific circumstances may allow students to petition for an exception to these policies.
• If the addition of your independent study brings you over your total credit limit, it will not be approved. Please ensure that you have room in your schedule for these credits or first seek approval for over-hours from your home college.